Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations: 1 to 7 February 2021

Results of Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations

Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 189 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoint and speed control operations across the province in the week of 1 to 7 February 2021, and 23 957 vehicles were stopped and checked.

A total of 260 speeding offences were recorded and 6 316 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R5 869 550.

Two vehicles were impounded and 77 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.

The highest speeds recorded were as follows:

• 161 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
• 145 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
• 124 km/h in a 80 km/h zone
• 99 km/h in a 70 km/h zone
• 89 km/h in a 60 km/h zone

Disaster Management Act

A total of 78 charges were laid under the Disaster Management Act and fines to the total value of R175 300 were issued. 

National Road Traffic Act and Criminal Procedure Act

A total of 28 arrests were made for the following offences:

• 12 x driving under the influence of alcohol
• 7 x fraudulent documentation
• 2 x speeding
• 2 x possession of a stolen vehicle
• 2 x goods overloading
• 1 x possession of an illegal substance (dagga and mandrax)
• 1 x possession of dangerous goods
• 1 x fraud (fraudulently claiming in an affidavit to the Provincial Regulatory Authority that the previous issue of an operating licence had been lost, stolen, or misplaced).

Fatalities recorded between 1 to 7 February 2021

A total of 34 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 38 fatalities were recorded:

• 7 x drivers 
• 6 x passengers
• 23 x pedestrians
• 2 x cyclists                                                           

A road safety message from the Department of Transport and Public Works

While active cases of COVID-19 in the Western Cape are in decline, the pandemic is likely to be with us for a long time, and it is possible that there may be further resurgences. Wear your mask over your nose and mouth at all times in any public transport vehicle, whether it is a minibus, a bus, a train, or an aircraft. Make sure the windows of any minibus, bus or train you travel in are open 5 cm on both sides of the vehicle. Use the free USSD code *134*234# to report on public transport compliance with safety measures. Sanitise or wash your hands regularly. When you arrive at your destination, avoid the three Cs – crowded places, close-contact settings, and confined spaces.

Have your lights, indicators, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, shock absorbers and tyres checked for faults from time to time, especially if you are going on a long trip. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy before you leave. Plan any long trip so that you have a rest break every 200 km or every two hours. Do not drive in the emergency lane unless the road ahead is clear for at least 150 m. Never overtake on a blind rise or a solid line. Never drink and drive. Even small amounts of alcohol can slow down your response in an emergency. Keep your eyes on the road. Do not touch or look at cell phones and other electronic gadgets when you are driving.

A total of 38 people were killed this week in 34 crashes, 23 of them pedestrians. Whether we are driving, cycling or walking, we must all abide by all road safety precautions to stay safe and develop a strong safety culture. Be alert and prepared for anything. If you are a pedestrian, do not drink and walk, wear visible clothing, and remove headphones and earphones when you cross the road.

This week’s operational achievements include 12 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol, seven for fraudulent documentation, two for speeding, two for possession of a stolen vehicle, two for goods overloading, one for possession of dagga and mandrax, one for possession of dangerous goods, and one for fraud in an affidavit submitted to the Provincial Regulatory Authority.  Speeding dramatically increases the risk of a crash. It also increases the likelihood of death or injury because the impact of a crash is greater. The faster you travel, the longer it takes you to stop, especially if the road is slippery. Stick to the speed limit, and slow down if visibility is poor or if you see a pedestrian near the road.

Please maintain a safe following distance – a two-second gap from the vehicle ahead. Drive carefully, especially during rush hour and when visibility is poor. Harsh braking, accelerating into traffic and changing lanes improperly are all risky behaviours that increase the likelihood of a crash. Make sure you pull into traffic slowly. Be careful when you cross a traffic intersection, even if the light is green for you. Wear your seatbelt and ensure those travelling with you in the vehicle are buckled up.

Play your part in making our roads safe. Making our roads safer is everyone’s responsibility.